his running mate paul ryan says this will not be a defining moment. >> i don't think one event is going to make or break this campaign. >> reporter: but apparently not everyone got the memo to downplay expectations. >> thursday morning you're all going to be scraffing your heads saying -- scratching your heads saying wow, we have a barn burner the next 30 days. >> reporter: the last -- the debate will focus on the economy. in an op-ed, romney has said the president has shown weakness in the middle east. he says president obama has heightened the prospect of conflict and instability. he does not understand that an american policy that lacks resolve can provoke aggression and encourage disorder. white house aides say the president is looking forward to debating foreign policy with mitt romney. >> this president promise add few things in 2008. wee end the iraq war. he did. wee take the fight to al qaeda and degrade them. he has. >> reporter: romney is said to be planning a major foreign policy speech to be delivered in the next few weeks. >>> it's 5:53. let's take another look at the quest